The Ordinary guide: what to use for your skin, and what not to mix

Skincare & beauty ·Published 27 October 2026 ·Reviewed 27 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.

The Ordinary names each product after its main active ingredient, which makes the range look simple but also makes it easy to use too much at once. Start with one or two products for one skin concern, patch test each new product, add new products one at a time, don’t use strong actives such as acids, retinoids and vitamin C in the same routine, and wear an SPF50+ sunscreen every morning.

Here’s how we’d help you narrow it down at the counter.

What is The Ordinary?

The Ordinary is made by DECIEM, a Canadian beauty company now owned by The Estée Lauder Companies. Its tagline is “clinical formulations with integrity”: products use well-known skincare ingredients and are named after them, such as “Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”, so you can see the main active and its strength at a glance.

Which The Ordinary products suit your skin?

The main ingredients, explained

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. The Ordinary says its Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum suits all skin types and is aimed at dullness, uneven texture, excess oil and the look of pores. It’s one of the easier actives to start with.

Salicylic acid (BHA)

DermNet explains that salicylic acid loosens the dead skin cells that block pores, which is why it’s used for blackheads and acne-prone skin. The Ordinary suggests using its Salicylic Acid 2% Solution once a day at night, and not in the same routine as other acids, retinoids or peptides.

Glycolic acid (AHA)

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the surface of the skin. DermNet notes that AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and The Ordinary recommends sunscreen while you use them and for a week afterwards. The brand says its Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner isn’t for sensitive, peeling or broken skin.

Retinol and retinal

Retinol and retinal are forms of vitamin A. DermNet says topical retinoids can take 12 weeks or longer to show results and often cause dryness and irritation at first. The Ordinary suggests starting its Retinal 0.2% Emulsion once a week and building up to twice a week, at night, followed by moisturiser. Our retinol for beginners guide explains how to start without irritation.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid draws water into the top layer of skin. It’s gentle and suits most skin types, and it works best applied to damp skin and sealed in with a moisturiser.

What shouldn’t you mix?

The Ordinary counts a “routine” as one application, morning or night. Its own guides suggest:

• Vitamin C and niacinamide: use them at different times of day, for example vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
• Retinoids and acids (glycolic, lactic or salicylic): use them on alternate nights.
• Retinoids and pure vitamin C: use them at different times, or on alternate nights.
• More than one retinoid: don’t layer them.
• Salicylic Acid 2% Solution: don’t use it in the same routine as other acids, retinoids or peptides.

If in doubt, keep it simple: one active product at night, a moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning.

How should you start?

1. Patch test first. The Ordinary suggests applying a small amount to clean skin on your upper forearm, keeping it dry for 24 hours, and not using the product if you get redness, burning, itching or blistering.
2. Add one new product at a time, and wait a couple of weeks before adding another, so you know what’s causing any reaction.
3. Use acids and retinoids at night, on clean, dry skin, and follow with a moisturiser.
4. Wear an SPF50+ sunscreen every morning. Our guide to the best sunscreen for the Gold Coast can help.

Not sure what goes on first? See our skincare routine order guide.

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: read this first

The red Peeling Solution is one of The Ordinary’s best-known products, and also one of its strongest. The brand says:

• it’s only for people who already use acids without problems, not for beginners or sensitive, peeling or broken skin;
• leave it on for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse, and never leave it on overnight;
• use it no more than twice a week;
• patch test first, avoid the eye area, and use sunscreen for a week afterwards.

Don’t use it on the same night as a retinoid or another exfoliating acid.

Can you use The Ordinary when pregnant or breastfeeding?

The Ordinary says its products haven’t been tested in pregnancy or breastfeeding and recommends avoiding its retinoid products (retinol, retinal and Granactive Retinoid) during that time. Talk to your GP or one of our pharmacists before starting any new active skincare, including acids, if you’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

How can our team help?

We stock The Ordinary at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair. Our beauty advisors can help you pick one or two products to start with through our skincare advice in store. Our pharmacists can check whether a product suits you if you use prescription skin treatments, have a skin condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also browse the facial skincare range on priceline.com.au or ask us at Pacific Fair.

Comparing brands? See our guides to CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Medicube and Boring Without You.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

• A product causes burning, swelling, blistering or a rash that doesn’t settle when you stop.
• Your acne is painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving after 2 to 3 months. Our guide to acne treatment at the pharmacy explains your options.
• You have eczema, rosacea or very sensitive skin and want to try acids or retinoids.
• Dark patches are spreading or changing, or you’re not sure what a spot is.
• You’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

A GP can talk to you about prescription options. The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, are one option while you’re at Pacific Fair.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.